What Is a “Jot” in Matthew 5:18?

Let’s begin by reading the passage:

Matthew 5:18 (KJV):
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

In this verse, Jesus makes a striking statement about the permanence of God’s Word. But what does He mean by “jot” and “tittle”?

The Meaning of “Jot”

The word “jot” refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet: yod (י). It’s equivalent to an apostrophe or the smallest stroke used in writing. The “tittle” refers to the tiniest stroke or accent mark that differentiates letters. In modern terms, think of how a lowercase “i” has a dot—removing that dot doesn’t change much in appearance, but it matters in precision. In essence, Jesus is saying that not even the smallest detail of the Law will pass away until it is completely fulfilled.

To put it simply, nothing in God’s Word is accidental, insignificant, or outdated. Every command, every letter—even the smallest detail—is divinely inspired and enduring.

Jesus Did Not Abolish the Law—He Fulfilled It

This statement by Jesus is rooted in the preceding verse:

Matthew 5:17 (ESV):
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Jesus didn’t come to cancel the Old Testament laws but to bring them to their fullest meaning. For example:

• The Law said: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
  Jesus clarified its spiritual depth:
  “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28, ESV).

• The Law said: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
  Jesus explained the internal application:
  “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:22, ESV).

He didn’t nullify these commandments; rather, He deepened their application—from mere external observance to internal transformation. That is what it means for Christ to fulfill the Law.

God’s Word Is Eternal

Jesus further emphasizes this truth:

Matthew 24:35 (ESV):
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

This means that God’s Word is more enduring than the universe itself. Every promise, every instruction, every warning remains valid. Nothing will disappear until its purpose is completely accomplished.

A Heart-Searching Reflection

Now, ask yourself:

• Do you still harbor hatred toward your brothers or enemies and convince yourself that you’re not a murderer?

• Do you indulge in lustful thoughts or pornography, thinking you’re not an adulterer?

• Do you dress immodestly or seductively and convince yourself you’re not immoral?
  (See Proverbs 7:10 for a biblical description of seductive attire.)

• Do you love worldly pleasures more than the things of God, yet consider yourself spiritually safe?

If you’re living this way, it’s time to stop deceiving yourself. The Word of God has not changed. Jesus did not lower the standard—He elevated it.

The Urgent Call to Repentance

The time to turn to Christ is now. Tomorrow is not promised. You don’t know if today is your last day on earth, or if this is the day the trumpet will sound (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The door of grace is open—run to the cross while there is still time.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV):
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Come to Jesus, confess your sins to Him in sincere repentance, and be baptized as the apostles preached:

Acts 2:38 (ESV):
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

God’s Word stands firm. Not even a “jot” or “tittle” will pass away. Will you let it pass you by—or will you surrender to its truth?

Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus.

---

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or one tailored for teaching or preaching.

Certainly. Here’s a clear, theologically rich, and humanly readable English version of your original Swahili devotional, with biblical support and explanation using the ESV (English Standard Version) where relevant:

---

What Is a “Jot” in Matthew 5:18?

Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus meant when He said:

Matthew 5:18 (ESV):
“For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

In older Swahili translations, the word “yodi” was used—this corresponds to the English word “jot”, and in the original Greek text, the word is “iota”, which refers to the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. In the Hebrew alphabet, it corresponds to “yod”, the smallest letter. Jesus pairs this with “a dot” or “tittle,” referring to the smallest stroke or decorative mark used to distinguish between similar Hebrew letters.

In modern terms, think of the difference between uppercase and lowercase letters or even the dot on an “i.” Jesus is essentially saying: Not even the tiniest letter or the smallest mark in God’s Law will be removed until everything is fulfilled.

This highlights two profound theological truths:

1. The Authority and Permanence of God’s Word
   Jesus affirms the unchanging authority of Scripture. The Law of God—His commands, moral standards, and prophetic promises—remains firm until its complete fulfillment. This stands in contrast to any idea that God’s Word can be altered, ignored, or partially obeyed.

   Isaiah 40:8 (ESV):
   “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

2. Jesus Came Not to Abolish the Law but to Fulfill It
   Just one verse earlier, Jesus says:

   Matthew 5:17 (ESV):
   “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

   Jesus didn’t come to eliminate God’s moral standards—He came to perfectly fulfill them in His life, teaching, death, and resurrection. He deepened the understanding of the Law, showing that it applies not just to external actions but to the condition of the heart.

   • The Law said, “You shall not commit adultery.” Jesus said, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

   • The Law said, “You shall not murder.” Jesus said, “Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).

Jesus wasn’t adding burdens, but exposing the true spiritual intent of God’s Law—and our desperate need for grace.

---

A Personal Call to Repentance and Salvation

So now the question becomes personal:
Have you convinced yourself you’re “not a sinner” just because you haven’t physically murdered, stolen, or committed adultery? Yet you harbor hate, bitterness, lust, and worldliness in your heart? God sees the heart.

• Do you still hold grudges against your brothers or enemies, thinking you’re not a murderer?

• Do you entertain lust, thinking you’re not an adulterer?

• Do you dress provocatively or promote immorality, yet claim to be pure? (Read Proverbs 7:10 and examine your attire and lifestyle.)

• Do you indulge in pornography or masturbation, thinking it doesn’t make you sexually immoral?

• Are you more passionate about worldly things—sports, fame, fashion, entertainment—than the things of God?

If any of this applies to you, now is the time to repent. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Salvation is urgent.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV):
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Flee to the cross of Jesus Christ. He died to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But we must respond with repentance and faith, committing to follow Him.

Acts 2:38 (ESV):
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Receive Christ today. Be baptized in His name. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in truth and holiness. Don’t wait for a convenient time—it may never come. Jesus is calling you now.

Maranatha – the Lord is coming. Are you ready?